The first meeting of the new Nelson Mandela Bay Metro Council had to be postponed briefly on Thursday as ANC members demanded to be let into the Feather Market Hall.

The members earlier accused security guards of not allowing them through the doors. Municipal manager Johann Mettler then called for a brief postponement to allow them to enter.

There seemed to be some confusion as to where the members were trying to enter, while the crowd inside were loud and boisterous, booing anyone who came through the doors.

The ANC members were noticeably absent when the council meeting started at 10:00.

Meanwhile, political heavyweights danced with the crowds in the back of the auditorium.

As the ANC members took their seats, the meeting reconvened and relative quiet ensued.

Mettler then gave the new arrivals the opportunity to take the oath and affirmation. When asked whether anyone wished to take the oath in English, no one stood up.

(source: News24)